Get documents about "Your guide to unemployment health care legal assistance and other basic needs Help For Tough Times
Description
Family Member Eviction Notice in Las Vegas Nevada document sample
Document Sample
Your guide to unemployment, health care, legal assistance and
other basic needs.
Help For
Tough
Times
The information in this booklet has been compiled by
United Labor Agency of Nevada
AFL-CIO Community Services
(a non-profit charitable organization)
Funded by:
This booklet has been made possible by United Way of Southern Nevada as a
contribution to the community, for the good of the community.
You’re not alone...
The recent changes in our economy are affecting many people. Many have lost jobs or are
living in fear of losing their jobs in the near future. If you have recently found yourself
unemployed, this booklet is for you.
Unexpected job loss is devastating. In addition to financial gains, employment gives us a
sense of purpose and is a part of our identity.
As you go through the process of finding new employment, whether in your current field,
or in a new career, you may need help. This booklet offers resources for you as you
prepare. The agencies listed can offer help with financial and credit problems, basic needs
such as food, shelter, utilities, health care, legal services and job search assistance.
The inclusion of agencies and programs in this booklet does not constitute endorsement nor
does omission suggest disapproval.
If you cannot find the specific information you need in this booklet, you can call
Nevada 2-1-1 call center—Source for Basic Health and Human Services Information and
Referral.
Or, if you are a member of a union you can call ULAN at (702) 648-3500.
***
In an effort to make our community a better place to live, work, raise a family and
retire, it is ULAN’s goal to be responsive to the needs of those in our community.
United Labor Agency of Nevada, AFL-CIO Community Services is a non profit 501(c)(3)
charitable organization and United Way of Southern Nevada partnering agency.
www.uwsn.org ULAN
(702) 648-3500
www.ulan.org
Table of Contents
MONEY PROBLEMS ..............................................................................1
Budgeting
Mortgage
Rent
Utility Bills
Energy Assistance
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ............................................................4
Filing for Unemployment
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ....................................................................5
Federal Programs
State Program
Local Emergency Assistance Programs
FOOD HELP .............................................................................................6
Food Stamps
Food Pantries and Meals
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
School and Summer Food Programs
HEALTH CARE .......................................................................................7
COBRA/Continuation Coverage
Medicare and Medicaid
Medical Assistance
Health Insurance for Children
Immunizations
Prenatal Care
Nevada Health Centers
Prescriptions
Veteran’s Health Benefits
Dental Care for Children
LEGAL SERVICES .................................................................................9
COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT ...................................................10
Job Search Tips
Job Training and Help Finding Work
Physically Challenged Workers
Child Care
Volunteering
WORKSHEETS .......................................................................................13
Money Problems
BUDGETING
• If you are being harassed by
Reduced income requires your utmost caution and creditors or need help with a
skill in managing your money. There are community consumer problem, call:
resources to help you, but first you must plan ahead.
Better Business Bureau of
• Set up a realistic budget plan allowing for basic Southern Nevada
needs: food, shelter, utilities and medical care. 6040 S. Jones Blvd.
The worksheet on page 13 will help get you Las Vegas, NV 89118
started (702) 320-4500
or visit http://southernnevada.bbb.org
• Prioritize your bills. When you do not
have enough money to pay all the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division
bills, pay these first: rent or mortgage, 1850 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 101
utilities, food and transportation Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 486-7355
• Before your bills become due, notify your credi-
tors, lenders and/or landlord that you are unem- • If you need mediation services to provide con-
ployed and cannot meet your payments. Explain flict resolution with a landlord, merchant,
your situation truthfully and ask for a written neighbor or family member, call:
payment plan or discuss other ways to pay off
your obligations Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
800 S. 8th Street
• Avoid making unnecessary purchases on credit Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 386-1070
• Get budget counseling if you are having or visit www.lacsn.org
difficulty. For financial counseling, debt man-
agement and consumer education, call: Clark County Social Services
Neighborhood Justice Center
Consumer Credit Counseling Service 1600 Pinto Lane
of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV 89106
2650 S. Jones Blvd. (702) 455-3898
Las Vegas, NV 89143
(702) 364-0344
or visit www.cccsnevada.org
1
MORTGAGE RENT
Planning ahead can avoid the loss of your home. For If you rent, discuss your circumstances with your
home mortgages, discuss your current financial status landlord immediately and negotiate a mutually
with your bank or mortgage lender and ask for an acceptable written payment plan or discuss other ways
alternative payment plan. Most banks would prefer to to pay off your obligation. Call Legal Aid Center of
negotiate an arrangement rather than foreclose on a Southern Nevada early in the process to receive guid-
mortgage. Explore every reasonable alternative to ance and assistance regarding landlord/tenant prob-
avoid losing your home, but be aware of scams. Do lems.
not sign anything you do not understand.
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
If you have a HUD/FHA loan payment problem, call 800 S. 8th Street
or write your lender or a HUD approved Counseling Las Vegas, NV 89101
Agency as soon as possible. Explain the situation and (702) 386-1070
be prepared to provide financial information. If you
are having difficulty communicating with your lender Before a landlord can evict you for non-payment of
you can call: rent, he/she must properly notify you that he/she is
terminating your tenancy. To do this a landlord must
FHA Resource Center give you a written notice called a notice to quit. This
(888) 297-8685 is only the first step in the eviction process. If you
get an eviction notice and you want to stay in your
To find an approved counseling agency, call: apartment, you must respond immediately to any
(800) 569-4287; TDD (800) 877-8339 documents you receive.
You can contact the Justice Court in the township in
If you have a VA-insured mortgage, call: which you live.
Veterans Administration Regional Loan Center
(888) 869-0194 Las Vegas Justice Court
(702) 671-3116
Or
North Las Vegas Justice Court
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (702) 455-7801
(800) 827-1000
or visit www.va.gov Henderson Justice Court
(702) 455-7951
Boulder City Justice Court
(702) 455-8000
2
UTILITY BILLS ENERGY ASSISTANCE
As soon as you know that you may have difficulty If you meet the low-income eligibility requirement
paying your bill, call the utility company (gas, elec- and are having trouble meeting your heating and cool-
tric, water, phone) to arrange a payment plan. Do ing costs, you may qualify for the Energy Assistance
NOT wait until you receive a shut-off notice. If, after Program (EAP). The program can pay only for the
calling the company you are not satisfied, ask for the heating/cooling source in the home, whether it is gas
customer service supervisor. or electricity. Eligibility is based on gross income and
annual energy use. Homeowners and renters may be
If you have questions or complaints about a utility eligible. For more information or to obtain an appli-
company, contact the Public Utilities Commission cation, call:
(PUC). The PUC regulates the gas, electric and phone
companies. EAP (formerly LIHEA)
Energy Assistance Program
The PUC has required utility companies to offer Nevada State Welfare Division
budget billing plans, payment plans for needy custom- 3330 E. Flamingo Rd., Suite 55
ers, and special protection for the elderly, handicapped Las Vegas, NV 89121
and those whose health is at risk. (702) 486-1404
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUC)
101 Convention Center Drive Low-income homeowners and renters may also be
Suite 250 eligible for assistance with weatherization and with
Las Vegas, NV 89119 repair or replacement of heating/cooling systems.
(702) 486-2600 Assistance is provided to those residing in single and
multi-family dwellings as well as mobile homes. For
information, call:
Weatherization Program at
HELP of Southern Nevada
1640 E. Flamingo Rd., #100
Las Vegas Nevada 89119
(702) 369-4357
3
Unemployment Benefits
If you’ve lost your job or your hours have been re- • Obtain information regarding your Unem-
duced, you may apply for Unemployment Insurance ployment claim
Benefits. This program compensates eligible workers
for a portion of his/her lost wages.
Information you will need:
The Unemployment Insurance Benefits were paid by • Your Social Security number; date of birth
your previous employer. As such, the benefits will be • Your home address and telephone number
paid to you regardless of your financial status. The • If you are not a U.S. citizen - proof of your
amount that you receive varies according to your pre- immigration status
vious earnings. • The names, addresses, and dates worked for
your last and next to last employers
There are two ways to file an unemployment • If you worked in another state during the last
insurance claim, by phone or online. 18 months, you will need names, addresses,
phone numbers and dates employed
File by phone: Call the Automated Call Center at
• If you worked for the federal government dur-
(702) 486-0350, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ing the last 18 months - SF 50 and SF 8 forms
• If you served in the military during the last 18
Calling the Automated Call Center makes
months - copy item number 4 of your DD214
it easy to:
• File a new claim or reopen an ex-
isting one
If you receive a letter denying your claim, information
• Be interviewed if there are issues that affect about your right to appeal the decision will be in-
your eligibility cluded. You must respond immediately.
• Resolve problems with your claim
• Change your personal information (address, If your claim is denied and you are appealing your
phone number and e-mail address) claim, do not stop reporting your hours every week.
• Obtain information regarding your Unem-
ployment claim
File on the internet: If you choose, you
may file your claim on the internet 24
hours per day at: www.ui.nvdetr.org
On the internet, you can:
• File a new claim or reopen an existing one
• Change your personal information (address,
phone number and e-mail address)
4
Financial Assistance
Eligibility guidelines for benefits for both U.S. citizens and non-citizens can be obtained by calling the
following offices or visiting their websites.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS STATE PROGRAM
Social Security Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
If you are 62 or older and have been laid off, you may TANF provides cash assistance for families with de-
be eligible for Social Security benefits. If you begin pendent children. One or both natural/adoptive par-
collecting before age 65, your benefits will be ents must be deceased, absent, incapacitated or the
reduced from what they would have been at age 65. total earned income of both parents must fall within
The amount of benefits that you receive is based on TANF income limitations. Families who receive
your lifetime earnings. TANF are also eligible for Medicaid (see page 7) and
are usually eligible for Food Stamps (see page 6).
Social Security Administration
1250 S. Buffalo, Suite 150 This program is administrated by the Nevada State
Las Vegas, NV 89146 Welfare Division. For further information about eli-
(800) 772-1213 or (866) 704-4859 gibility and the office nearest you, call:
or visit www.ssa.gov
NV State Welfare Division
(702) 486-5000
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or visit http://dwss.nv.gov
SSI is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to
people who are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disabil- LOCAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
ity and who don’t own much or have a lot of income. PROGRAMS
SSI isn’t just for adults. Monthly benefits can go to
disabled and blind children, too. For information, call Some social service agencies and charitable funds can
Social Security at the number listed above. provide limited assistance to help with specific emer-
gencies. For help in locating these resources, call:
Catholic Charities (702) 387-2291
Clark County Social Services (702) 455-4270
Economic Opportunity Board (EOB) (702) 647-1510
Hopelink. (formerly HACA) (702) 566-0576
HELP of Southern NV (702) 369-4357
Lutheran Social Services (702) 639-1730
Salvation Army (702) 649-8240
5
Food Help
In order to save money, you may Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
be tempted to reduce food costs.
Rather than going hungry, there WIC is a federally funded nutrition and food supple-
are programs to help you maintain mental program for eligible pregnant or breast feeding
a proper diet. women, their children and foster children ages 0-5
regardless of immigration status. It supplies vouchers
used to purchase items such as milk, cheese, juice,
Food Stamps
eggs, cereal and infant formula. Families must be low-
income to be eligible.
The Food Stamp program offers help to
low-income families or individuals. The amount re-
For a WIC office nearest you, call:
ceived depends on family size, income and certain
(800) 863-8942
expenses such as child care costs. You can be working
and still be eligible for this program. Non-citizens
who are permanent lawful residents may also be eligi-
School and Summer Food Programs
ble to apply. For further information, call: 211 for
more locations or www.211.org.
Children from low-income families are eligible to
receive free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch
NV State Welfare Division
during the school year or during the summer at certain
(702) 486-5000 or visit http://dwss.nv.gov
sites regardless of immigration status. For information
call your child’s school, or call:
The above office will provide the location nearest you,
based upon your zip code.
Clark County School District
(702) 799-8123
Food Pantries and Meals
Nevada Department of Education
There are many community-based food pantries and Summer Food Service Program
meals for emergency food needs. The following can (702) 486-7902
provide groceries or meals. For more information and
locations, call:
Catholic Charities (702) 387-2291
F. I. S. H. (702) 735-0300
Giving Life Ministries (Henderson) (702) 565-4984
Hopelink (formerly HACA) (702) 566-0576
Jewish Family Services (702) 732-0304
Lutheran Social Services (702) 639-1730
Salvation Army (702) 649-8240
6
Health Care
Your family doctor or local hospital • Are under 65 and have been a federal, state or
does not want to see you ignore local government employee long enough and meet
health problems. If you have lost the requirements of the Social Security disability
your health coverage, speak to your program
doctor or hospital about the possi-
bility of negotiating reduced fees For more information about these requirements and
and payment schedules. other features of the Medicare program, call:
Social Security Administration
COBRA/CONTINUATION COVERAGE
(800) 772-1213
If you participated in a group health insurance plan at or visit www.ssa.gov
your job before you were laid off, the Federal
COBRA law requires that most employers offer you
and your family a temporary extension of health cov- Medicaid
erage at group rates, called “continuation coverage.”
Depending on the circumstances of your job depar- Medicaid is a state implemented medical program to
ture, you, your spouse and dependent children may be help you obtain health care and related services.
eligible for coverage for a minimum of 18 months Those eligible for Medicaid include:
with a possible extension to 36 months in certain cir-
cumstances. You may be required to pay the full pre- • Families receiving or who are eligible for TANF
mium, including your employer's contribution. Speak • Individuals who are age 65 or older, blind or dis-
to your employer or your health plan representative. abled
• Social Security Income (SSI) recipients
• Children who are born in the U.S., even if their
Medicare parents are not citizens or legal residents
• Pregnant women and children if they meet both an
Medicare is a federally funded medical insurance pro- income and assets test
gram administered by the Social Security Administra-
tion. You are eligible for Medicare hospital insurance For more information, call:
if you:
NV State Welfare Division
• Are 65 and receive Social Security or railroad (702) 486-5000
retirement benefits or visit http://dwss.nv.gov
• Are 65 and have been a federal, state or local gov-
ernment employee long enough
• Have received Social Security disability benefits
for 24 months
7
Medical Assistance Prenatal Care
Clark County Social Services provides medical assis- The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Prenatal Care
tance to low-income individuals not eligible for other Program provides continuous prenatal care for low-
public or private programs. Client services include income women. For additional information, call:
COBRA/insurance continuation assistance, payment
for outpatient clinic care, inpatient hospital care, insti- Maternal Child Health (MCH) Line
tutional care, adult day care, medical transportation (800) 429-2669
and pharmacy services. Eligibility determination is
based upon an assessment of need, call:
Clark County Social Services
1600 Pinto Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 455-4270
Nevada Health Centers
Health Insurance for Children
You may also seek care at a local non-profit commu-
The Nevada Check Up/Children’s Health Insurance nity health care center/clinic. These clinics provide a
Program (CHIP) provides health insurance for pri- range of services on a sliding fee scale.
mary and preventative care for children up to the age
of 18 who do not have health care coverage and are Cambridge Family Health Centers
not eligible for Medicaid. Coverage also includes 3900 Cambridge Ave., #102
dental, vision and prescriptions. For more informa- Las Vegas, NV 89109
tion, call: (702) 307-5415
www.nvrhc.org
Covering Kids/Nevada Checkup
6830 Oquendo Rd., Suite 102 Martin Luther King Family Center
Las Vegas, NV 89118 1700 Wheeler Peak Dr.
(702) 933-7335 Las Vegas, NV 89030
(702) 383-1900
Immunizations
North LV Family Health Center
For low or no cost immunizations based on your abil- 2031 McDaniel St., Suite 210
ity to pay, call: North Las Vegas, NV 89030
(702) 214-5948
Southern Nevada Health District
625 Shadow Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 759-1000
8
Prescription Drugs Legal Services
Explain your situation to the doctor and ask if samples If you have problems with housing, child support, un-
of the medications he/she is prescribing are available. employment or welfare benefits and cannot afford the
Often medical offices have these on hand. regular legal fees, the following agencies may be able
The following non-profit programs can assist you in to help.
obtaining low cost or discounted medications:
Clark County Social Services The Lawyers Referral Services may be able to put you
1600 Pinto Lane in touch with a lawyer who offers services on a pro-
Las Vegas, NV 89106 bono or a reduced-fee basis.
(702) 455-4270
Lawyers Referral Service
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (702) 382-0504
Toll free (888) 477-2669
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada together with
Veteran’s Health Benefits Clark County Pro Bono Project may be able to help
with landlord-tenant disputes, government benefits,
If you are a veteran you may be eligible to receive family law, bankruptcy and domestic violence.
health care assistance. For information about the
services available, eligibility requirements and Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
locations, call: 800 S. 8th Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Veterans Administration Medical Center (702) 386-1070
(702) 636-3000
Nevada Legal Services may be able to help income
Dental Care for Children eligible people with legal issues relating to public
housing, Social Security, public benefits and unem-
Uninsured children who need dental care may be ployment discrimination.
eligible for treatment at:
Nevada Legal Services
University of Nevada 530 S. 6th Street
Las Vegas Enterprise Dental Clinic Las Vegas, NV 386-0404
1750 Wheeler Peak (702) 386-0404
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 648-7231
9
Coping with Unemployment
Living through a financial crisis can be stressful for Job Information Sources - Talk to your friends,
you and your family. It can lead to feelings of sadness, neighbors and relatives, they may lead you to job
anger, depression, fear or lack of energy. These feel- openings. In addition to following through with the
ings are natural and are usually temporary. Putting on want ads in the local daily newspapers, contact your
a mask and pretending that you are not worried or professional or trade association, Chamber of
scared will only make matters worse for you and your Commerce, Union or local Department of Employ-
family. You can deal with your feelings in several ment & Training office.
positive ways:
A worksheet has been provided on page 15 to help
• Keep physically active to relieve tension you identify people who could help you in your job
• Identify your feelings and share them with some- search.
one who will listen to you and advise you – for
example, a trusted friend or relative, clergy person Your resume - This is your first and most important
or a fellow union member introduction to a prospective employer. It should be
• Get together with other people who are experienc- concise. Contact your local library for books on
ing unemployment and form a peer support net- resume writing or seek help from a career counseling
work center.
If your feelings of anxiety and depression intensify or The interview - This is your chance to show the em-
continue over an extended period of time, it is ployer that you are the best candidate for the job. Be
advisable for you to contact your family doctor. prepared. Find out everything about the company
ahead of time: the services, products, market area,
financial history, etc. Prepare a list of questions to ask
Job Search Tips the employer. Dress appropriately, arrive early and
relax a few minutes before the interview. Practicing
Before seeking employment, start by assessing your the interview with someone may better prepare you
present skills and talents (see worksheet on page 14). for the actual interview.
Like most people, you have probably not done a
thorough “self-assessment.” Most public libraries and More information about these topics are available at:
bookstores have self-help or career development
sections with books that can get you started. Nevada JobConnect
Employment Security Division
Write down on the worksheet a detailed list of all
your job skills and personal qualifications. The list Las Vegas (702) 486-0100
will be surprisingly long. You can use this information North Las Vegas (702) 486-0200
when you write your resume or fill out job applica- Henderson (702) 486-0300
tions.
10
Job Training and Help Finding Work
Programs that offer career counseling can advise you
on looking for a job, writing a resume, building a Physically Challenged Workers
career path and preparing you for a job interview.
Nevada State Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
All job seekers and dislocated workers may qualify Southern District Office
for federal or state funded employment and training
programs. These programs include helping you with 3016 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 200
your job search, upgrading your skills or training for a Las Vegas, NV 89102
job in a new field. Some programs may even offer (702) 486-5230
additional financial support while you are in training
or looking for work. Easter Seals of Southern Nevada
6200 W. Oakey Blvd.
The following programs can direct you in your career Las Vegas, NV 89146
path while making sure you have full access to all the (702) 870-7050
services for which you are eligible:
AFL-CIO Dislocated Worker Program Child Care
(702) 870-7460
When facing a period of unemployment your child
Nevada Partners care needs may change. When returning to work you
(702) 399-5627 may need to make different arrangements to accom-
modate your new schedule. For help in locating and
Nevada Career Enhancement Program (CEP) selecting a child care program, including family child
(702) 486-0129 care, day care centers, school age programs and nurs-
ery schools, call:
Displaced Homemaker Program at HELP of Southern
Nevada Economic Opportunity Board
(702) 369-4357 2500 W. Washington Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 647-1510
(702) 387-5437
You may be eligible for one of several financial assis-
tance programs to help defray the cost of child care.
11
Volunteering
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
Doing volunteer work in an area that interests you is a
good way to help yourself and others while you look
Stay active mentally and physically
for a job. Volunteering can help you to:
Eat healthy foods; get enough rest
• Maintain your job skills
• Learn new skills Exercise; take up a new recreational
• Make valuable contacts or new friends activity you always wished to start
• Structure your time during your job search
Recognize the effects of stress,
and seek help if needed
The Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada has oppor-
tunities that match your interests, skills and time avail- Organize your time, scheduling
able. To find the volunteer opportunities right for you time to enjoy yourself
contact the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada:
Take advantage of community
Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada activities and resources
1660 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119 Watch local papers for free events
(702) 892-2321 and programs
www.volunteercentersn.org
Develop a support system; keep
in touch with friends
Get involved in a volunteer activity
Catch problems while they are small -
“An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure.”
12
Six Month Financial Planning Worksheet
If the total expenses are more than the total income, then reduce or
eliminate some of your expenses.
INCOME
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6
Severance Pay
Unemployment Compensation
Checking
Savings
Other Income
TOTAL
EXPENSES
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6
Rent/Mortgage
Power
Water
Gas
Food
Telephone
Car Payment
Insurance
Cable
Internet
Laundry
Household Supplies
Hygiene Supplies
Gas/Bus Fare
Dues
Credit Card Debt
Clothing
Healthcare Premium
Medical Co-payment
Prescription
Child Care
Other
TOTAL
13
Self-Assessment Worksheet
This worksheet is intended to help you identify the skills you have and think about what you have
accomplished. This will lead to a clearer idea of what sorts of jobs you should be targeting and to
help you write a more persuasive resume.
Strengths Weaknesses
Professional Skills
Capabilities learned on the job;
technical skills; computer skills;
languages; etc.
Business Performance
Actual on the job
accomplishments
Social Skills
"People" related capabilities,
both personal and professional
Personal Accomplishments
Off the job activiteis; community
service; etc.
Personal Attributes
Personal qualities that make you
productive and good to work with,
etc.
14
Networking Worksheet
This worksheet is intended to help you make a complete list of people that you know (even slightly)
who could help you find a job. The object here is to put as many names as possible into each box.
In addition to the categories shown, you should make lists of contacts in unions, professional
organizations, clubs and other formal affiliations.
Colleagues at work Friends & Neighbors Faith Based Organizations
(current & past)
Classmates/Teachers Lawyers Government
Accountants/Bankers Relatives/In-Laws Former Employers
15
Log daily activities; keep track of helpful information and
document conversations including names and dates.
Related docs
